Adinkra Symbol Meanings
Adinkra symbols are a visual language from the Akan people of Ghana, each one carrying its own proverb, meaning, and history. Every CASA London piece inspired by an Adinkra symbol is designed to carry that meaning forward. Use the links below to explore the story behind each one.
Akoma: "The Heart"
Akoma represents patience, tolerance, faithfulness, and love, often exchanged as a gift to mark and strengthen a bond between people.
Read the full Akoma guide →Duafe: "Wooden Comb"
Shaped after the traditional Akan hair comb, Duafe represents the feminine qualities of love, care, patience, hygiene, and beauty.
Read the full Duafe guide →Dwennimmen: "Ram's Horns"
Drawn from a proverb about a ram strong enough to fight yet humble enough to submit, Dwennimmen represents humility combined with strength.
Read the full Dwennimmen guide →Gye Nyame: "Except for God"
The most widely recognised Adinkra symbol, Gye Nyame represents the supremacy and omnipotence of God, the belief that nothing exists or happens without divine knowledge and permission.
Read the full Gye Nyame guide →Sankofa: "Go Back and Get It"
Shown as a bird reaching backward for an egg on its back, Sankofa teaches that it is not wrong to go back for what you have forgotten, learning from the past to build a stronger future.
Read the full Sankofa guide →